Yechury receives threat calls and text messages

New Delhi: CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury today claimed to have received threat calls and text messages for allegedly saying “wrong” things about Goddess Durga in Rajya Sabha.

“I am receiving threatening calls and messages saying that I said something about Durga (in Parliament). And what they are saying is all non-sense as I did not say anything of that sort.

“There is not even one mention of Durga. My speech is there on Youtube. So, this is obviously a deliberately run campaign,” Yechury said without naming anyone.

Yechury, who had in the recent past complained to have received threats in connection with his stance on JNU row allegedly from right-wing forces, added he got around 1000 calls and 500 text messages on his personal phone during the day.

“Police have taken suo moto cognisance and also asked for a complaint which my office has lodged. I will submit all the numbers (from where calls and messages were received) to police. If they (the callers/messengers) are trying to threaten and intimidate me, that won’t work,” he added.

The Rajya Sabha member had earlier claimed to have received threat calls on CPI (M) head office land line number on February 15 in connection with the varsity row.

During his speech in the Upper House yesterday, Yechury had took on HRD Minister Smriti Irani for quoting certain Facebook posts purportedly written by Vemula which were critical of the CPI(M) leader and accused her of making “all foul fair”.

He had questioned the veracity of the Facebook account that she had claimed to be that of Vemula.

“Can a Facebook account be authenticated?… Can ‘quotes’ from the ‘cyberspace’ be permitted without the same being authenticated,” he questioned and insisted that nothing should go on record in the House without it authenticated.

Contending that he is not against any criticism, Yechury said the authenticity of Vemula’s Facebook comments against him need to be ascertained.

“I have always said that let a hundred flowers bloom and let a thousand thoughts contend,” he added.